By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Anambra State Police Command says its operatives have foiled an alleged attempt by a 21-year-old woman to sell her newborn baby girl in Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Awka that officers attached to the Oyi Divisional Station, acting on credible intelligence, intervened on June 19 and secured both the mother and her infant daughter.
“The police promptly secured both the mother and her infant daughter and facilitated their reunion with family members to ensure proper care, protection and support,” Ikenga said.
He explained that the intervention followed a report from a concerned citizen, which led officers to a location in Igbariam where the young woman and her baby were found. Preliminary investigations revealed that she had concealed her pregnancy and delivery from her parents, leaving her family home in Imo State to stay with a friend in Igbariam before the alleged plan was uncovered.
Ikenga said the police contacted her parents immediately, and upon their arrival, the mother and child were reunited with the family to guarantee adequate care and emotional support.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the vigilance of the complainant and members of the public whose timely information aided the successful intervention. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and neglect, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The command assured that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.